The United States government has approved the export of advanced AI chips to a Microsoft-operated site in the United Arab Emirates.

This approval is part of a partnership with Emirati AI company G42, amid Washington’s efforts to counter China’s global influence in AI technology.

Concerns had been raised about G42’s connections to Chinese entities, which are involved in surveillance and military research.

This scrutiny, highlighted by the United States’ House China Select Committee, delayed US approval due to fears the technology might become accessible to China through close UAE ties.

The US-approved export license includes strict restrictions, prohibiting access to the chips or facilities by personnel from countries under United States arms embargoes, like China, or those sanctioned by the US Treasury.